Sputum cup



SPUTUM CUP Sept 21, 19.431e H. a. QRANSHAW 2,330,029

.Fi-.led Oct. 8, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sep@ 23 w43 H. s. cRANsHAw SPUTUM CUP Filed Oct. 8, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 2l, 1943 Harold B. Cranshaw, Newton, Mass; assignorto j Burnitol Manufacturing `Company,- Charlesf town; Massqa corporation of Maine Application october s, 1942, scritti Nc; 461,271 n j 11s claims. (cl. y4-?.'1`1)` resilient strapyL'adaptedftointerlock with and This invention relates to receptacles ofthe `type made from sheet material, such, for example, as sputum cups and the like containers which are' intended to be destroyed after use.

In articles of this character it is essential that i' the receptacle be provided witha suitable cover which is normally closed and which may be con"- veniently opened, and it is` the principal object of the present invention to provide va receptacle of tlns Jtype having a normally closedcover inember which is hinged `to the receptacl'egwithout the use of fastening means-other'thantliose constituting an integral part of the cover and receptacle, and which is constructed so that the cover may be quickly and conveniently opened byr a finger of thel hand supportingl or holding the receptacle.

Another object is to provide a covered receptacle formed of two parts, one part being adapted to form the cup and the other part the cover, both parts being formed with'complem'entary interlocking means so designed that ther receptacle may be quickly erected and assembled with the cover so that the parts are not 'subject to accidental separation.

Further objects will be apparent from a vconsideration of the following' description and the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a cup embodying-the present invention is formed;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cover;A

Fig. A3 is a perspective of,th`e"erect'ed cup formed from the blank shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical section through the cup and cover; .l

Fig. 5 is a( plan view of ablank fromlvvhichl a cup or modied construction's formed;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical section through the erected cup formed from vthe blank shown in Fig.5; l Figs. 7. and 8 are views,correspondingtofFigs 5 and 6,` but illustrating a further modification;

Fig. 9'is a plan viewof ablank illustrating another modication; f

Fig. 10 is a perspective Viewof the erected cup formed from the blank showniny 9;

Fig. 11 is a vertical section through-the.assem-` bled cup formedv from the blank shown inFig. 9; and i Eachof the' embodiments herein shown comprises acup C formed rfrom a single piece of berboard or the like sheetV material, and af cover 'Cf (Fig. 2) formed with a pair cf spaced slits s adjacent to one edge, which defines a depressible Fig. 12 is s section cn the line lzlz cf Fig. 11i.

frictionally grip a; rearwardly extendingtapered tongue'formedin'tegral with one Wall of the cup in suchta manner as hingedly to support the cover in a normallyclosedposition., Y

In the embodimentshown in Figs. 1 to 3, the

cup is formed from a blank B scored to provide llines of fold (indicated by the dot-and-dash lines of Fig. 1) vand define a bottoni l, kside walls 2,` 3, lA and 5 which are interconnected by'foldable portions 6, 1, 8l and 9. "Theouteriedges ofthe sides 2, 4 and 5 are formed with projections I IJ,

Il and l2 which` are folded inwardly intointe'rlocking'relations'hip to `form a part of a `retaining flangewhich serves to prevent` thewescape of the cotentslof 'the cupA should the latterv be Vacci- Qdentall'y turned on its sidefor overturndf i The side yWall Q3 is formed with an extension I5 whichisscored toprovi'de linesof foldv dening sections 16? Il'l and |8. `Wh1en the sections are 'folded,fas shown in Figs.'l 3 and 4, the section ylli forms' the remaining part of the retaining iiangeA on the interior ofth'e''cup,`fand these'ctions Il and' I8 provide atapered tongue 20 whichfis hinged t`o"and e'xtends'outwardly from the upper edge ofthe sidewall. g l

The tong'i1e`20 extvendsth'rough the slitsSV of the coverlC 'with its taperededgesl 2lfand'22 wedged against'the ends of theslits and its body portionholding the resilient str apL in depressed position,`asshown in Fig: 4; `The strapvL is thus eiective to lexerty a frictional locking action' on the tongue 2lland cooperateswith the Wedging actiononjthe taperededges 2|, '22so` as'pivotally to `hold theco'Ver-'C 'in normally closed position -on the Icup C. In order to `prevent accidental separation `of. the cup kandcove.'I the `lower section `I8 oftongue 2B may be provided with transverseslits 2liI (Fig...1)deningflocking -tabs 25 (Fig. 4) which are bentdownwardly so as .to engage the strap L and thusprovide `an interlock `which prevents the cover C from being removed fromthe'cup.;4 c Y. f n c Q.

The embodiments shown in Figsf 5to 12 kare generally similar toY that 'shovvn-` in .F.igSL 1 vto 44 and the same or similarreference charactersare appliedto corresponding parts. ln Athe embodiments inFigs. 5 and.6,.the naps; lll?i on side Walls 2 and lIl ,interlock 'with the .fcldaple ,portions s-a,

as showninF'ig. 6, Ato hold the cup in erected position, no provision.beingmade` for a retaining l allge., Sidelwall is formedwith' a tongue 2l).a

havingftapered edges 2|k and Q22 and transverse slits 24 whichdeiine locking tabs 25. Thecup and cover 'are assembledin the 'same manner as in the above described embodiment, with the tongue 20a projecting through the slits S so as to underlie the cover. The tapered edges 2l, 22 are wedged against the ends of slits S and its body portion holds strap L in depressed position. The tongue 2l!a thus pivotally supports the cover in normally closed position and downwardly bent tabs 25 interlock with strap L to prevent separation of the cup and :.cover.

The embodiment *shown in Figs'l andk 8 is substantially the same as that of Figs. 5 and 6 except that its tapered tongue 2l]a is provided with transverse slits 2da dening rectangular- -r shaped locking tabs which are bent atvright angles to the face of the tongue to provideanV interlock for preventing the cover from being' separated from the cup.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to l142 :is substantially the same as that of Figs. 1 to 4, ex-

cept that the extension I5a is provided with *a oi" the cover with its edgespinched `between the .fr

cover and the depressed-strap. Inseachembodiment the tongue .0n-,the ,receptaclewhich passes throughthe slits inthe-cover mayfhavefparallel sides but -isspreferably tapered` to` facilitate insertion andto `wedgetightlyagainstthe ends of the slits. While the locking tabs` may be omitted in each embodiment, theyserveto hold the cover Yin .place `more positively. I-tiwill also be noted that Vthe marginal portion-of :the cover overlying the supporting tongue provides a lever-'like handle by means -of which the cover'may be `conveniently swung `open when the cup is held in the hand. By depressing the -strapasaforesaid it is arched downwardly. '.Ihus when itis pressed against the back of thejcu-p .openingthe cover, the arched portion isicompressed andits resili-+ ency tends-to start the 'coveritoward closed'position when the coveris released; VBy locating the strap L in juxtaposition to the back' of the b'o'x, it flexes the back inwardly when fthe cover 'is opened, and this also 'yielding-ly ,urges 'the cover toward closed position when 'the cover is released.

From the foregoing it will be evident that in one aspect an important feature of the invention consists in that'A shoulders are provided on `the aforesaid tongue to engage theledge of one of the slits in the cover, thereby to restrain the tongue from pulling out of the` slits. VThus in the illustrationsthe/e'dges 24 and ,2da ofthe tabs 25 constitute shoulders whichenga'ge the edge of the rearslit in the cover. j

While I have shown and described diierent desirable embodiments of the invention', it ist@ 'be understood 'that 'this ,disclosure .is for the purpose of illustration and that various changes in shape, proportion and arrangement of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described, may be mafd'ewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to provide a hinge, and a cover provided with a pair of spaced slits defining a depressible resilient locking strap outside 'one yedge of the cup, said tongue projecting straight through said slits wholly below the level of the cover with its edges pinched between the cover and the depressed strap, the width of said slits being negligible and the portion of the tongue projecting through each slit havinga maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit, whereby the tongue can 'be 'inserted through the slits without folding the tongue merely by depressing the strap andthe tongue tends to return the cover to closed position.

2. Areceptaole of the class described compris* ing a cup having Va side wall lformed with a .pro

Ajecting tong-uewhich lis -bent loutwardly to provide a hinge, said tongue having a tapered portion; and a cover provided with a pair of spaced `slitsdeining adepressible resilient locking strap,

said tongue-projecting through `said -slits with its tapered edges wedged against and `fr-ictionally `held-by the ends of the slits, said 'locking strap being held in depressed position by said tongue so as frictionally -to grip -thetongue and thus jecting tongue which is bent outwardly to provide a hinge, and a cover having adjacentto its ,rear edge a pair of spaced slits denn-ing a depressib-le 4resilient locking `strap, said tongue pro- Alooting outwardly through said slits so as to underlie they cover and hold said strap in depressed position, said tongue pivotally supporting the cover in normally closed 'position and having a downwardly bent portion engageable with said strap to form an interlock eiective to hold the cup and cover in assembled relation, the width of said slits being negligible and the portion of the tongue projecting through 'each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit, whereby the tongue can be inserted through the slits without fo'ldlng the tongue merely yby depressing the strap and the tongue tends to return the c'over to closed position.

4. A receptacle of the class described comprising a `cup having a side wallformed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to pro'- vide a hinge, said tongue having a tapered portion, and a `cover having adjacent to its rear edge a pair of spaced slits dening a depressibleresili'- ent locking strap, said tongue projecting `outwardly through said slits lso as t'o underlie the cover with its tapered edges wedged against and frictionally held by the ends of the slits,` said strap being h'eld in depressed position by said tongue andbeing pivot'ally supported in normally closed position, said tongue having a downwardly bent vportion engageable withsai'd strap `to `form an interlock effective to hold the cup and cover against accidental separation.

5. A receptacle of the class described `comprising a cup having a side wall formed with an extension bent outwardly and folded forwardly upon itself-to provide a supporting tongue, the end of said extension terminating `in a downwardly extending portion within me interior vvof said cup, and a cover having adjacent toits rear -edge a pair of spacedslits defining a' depressibl'e resilient locking strap, said supporting tongue width of said slits being'negligible and the porv tion of the tongue projecting through each slit having a maximum width whichis no greater than the length of the slit, whereby thetongue can be inserted through the slits `without folding the tongue merely by depressing the strap and the tongue tends to returnfthe cover to closed position. f

6. A receptacle of the classdescribed comprising a cup having a side wall formed with an extension having a tapered portion, said extension being bent outwardly and folded forwardly upon in assembled relation.

7. A receptacleof theclass described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to'provide a hinge, anda cover having adjacent' to its rear edge a pair of spaced slits deningja' depressible resilient locking strap, said tongue projecting outwardly through said slits so as to underlie the cover and hold said strap in depressed position, said tongue pivotally supporting thecover in normally closeclposition having transversely having adjacentltoitsrear edge a pair of spaced' slits defining adepressibleresilientlocking strap,

-s'aid"tongue `projecting outwardlythrough said slitsvso as to underliethe cover landY hold said strap in depressed position, in which position said tongue pivotally supports the cover in'normally closed position,- the width of said slits being negligibleand the portion of the tongue projecting through each' slit having a maximum width p which is no greaterv than the vlength of the slit, whereby thertongue can be inserted throughlthe slits' without folding the tongue merely by de'- pressingfthe'strap and the tongue tends to return the cover to closed position.

10. Aire'ceptacle of the class described comprising a'cup'having a side wall formed with an extension bent inwardly to provide a downwardly inclinedange within the interior of the cup, saidange having a'U-shaped cut defining a tapered tongue which is bentoutwardly fromthe upper edge of the cup to'provide a hinge, anda cover having adjacent to its rear edge a pair of 'spaced slits defining av depres'sible locking strap, said vvtongue projecting outwardlyv through` said slits with" itstapered edges 'wedged against: and 4frictionall'y held by the ends of the slits,` said lockingstrip being held in depressed position'by said tongue, inV which position said tongue pivotally supports a cover in a normally closed position. `l i 11. A receptacle ofthe class described comprisin g a cup having a side wall formed with a prointerconnecting*the-tongue and coverl including extending cuts defining locking tabs which intertongue merely by depressing the` strap and the 'Y tongue I tends to return lthe cover to closed position, y y

8. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to provide a hinge, said tongue having a tapered portion, and a cover having adjacent to its rear edge a pair of spaced slits defining a depressible resilient locking strap, said tongue projecting through said slits with its tapered edges wedged against and frictionally held by the ends of the slits, said locking strap being held in depressed position by said tongue so as frictionally to grip the tongue, said tapered portion having transversely extending cuts defining locking tabs which are bent downwardly to interlock with said strap and prevent separation of the cup and cover.

9. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with an extension bent inwardly to provide a vdownwardly inclined ange within the interior of the cup, said flange having a U-shaped cut defining a tongue which is bent outwardly from the upper edge of the cup to provide a hinge, and a cover a'part projectingbelow'theplane of-'the tongue injuxtaposition to a part of said'sidewall, one of" the 'parts being flexed y*when ther coverV is opened, whereby the cover when released is yieldingly urged towardclosed'position;

"1i l2.` A receptacle ofthe classY described comprising'a cup having a side wallformed witha projecting tongue `whiclhis bent outwardly to provide a.Y hinge, and aV coverhaving adjacent to its rear edge 'a' pair' of `spaced slits d'ening a depressible resilient locking "strap, said tongue projecting outwardly' through said'slits so as to underlie the coverand-` hold `said strap in depressed position, said tongue' pivotallyo supporting the cover "in 'normally closed zpo'sitionand having shoulders 4e'nga'geableffii/ith the forward edges of `one of said slits to restrain the tongue from pulling out of the slits, the portion of the tongue projecting through each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit, the tongue having integral cuts in its` lateral edges to form said shoulders.

13. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to provide a hinge, and a cover provided with a pair of spaced slits defining a depressible resilient locking strap outside one edge of the cup, said tongue projecting straight through the slits immediately below the level of the cover with the strap depressed thereunder and the depressed strap being located in juxtaposition to said sidewall so that it flexes the wall inwardly when the cover is opened, whereby the cover when released is yieldingly urged toward closed position.

14. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to providey a hinge, and a cover provided with a `pair of spaced slits defining a depressible resilient locking strap outside oneedge' of the cup, said tongue projecting straight through said slits wholly below the level of the cover with-its edges pinched between theY cover and the depressed strap, the portion oi the tongue projecting through each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit andthe portionl of the tongue inV each slit having avvidth,` approximating the length of the slit, whereby the tongue can be inserted through the slits without folding the tongue merely by depressing thestrap and the tongue holds the strap in" depressed position `with its edges pinched in the ends of the slits.

15. A receptacle of the class described comprisingr a cup having a side wall formed with a projecting tongue which is bent outwardly to provide a hinge, and a cover having adjacent toits rear edge a pair of spaced slits dening a depressible resilient lockingk strap, said tongue projecting outwardly through said slits so as to underlie the cover and hold said strap in depressed position, said tongue pivotally supporting the cover in normally closed position and having a downwardly bent portion engageable with saidstrap to form an interlock effective to hold the cup` and cover in assembled relation, the portion of the tongue projecting through Veach slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit and the portion of the tongue in each slit vhaving a width approximating the length of the slit, whereby the tonguecan be inserted through the slits without folding the tongue merelyby depressing the strap andthe tongue holds the strap in depressed position with,

its edges pinched in the ends-of the'slits.

16. A receptacleof the classdescribed comprising a cup having a sidewall formed'with anextension bent outwardly and folded forwardly upon itself to provide a supporting tongue, the end of said extension terminating in a `downwardly extending portion within the interior of said cup, and a cover having adjacent to its rear edge a pair of spaced slits deiining adepressible resilient locking strap, said -supporting tongue extending through said slits and holding said strap in depressed position, said strap exerting a frictional locking action on said tongue to hold the cup and cover in assembled relation, the portion of the tongue projecting through each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit and the portion of the tongue irreach slitA having a'widtnapproximating the length of the slit, whereby `the tongue can be inserted through the slits without folding the tongue merely bydepressing the` strap and the tongue holds the strap in depressed position -with its edges pinchedin the ends of the slits.

i7. A receptacle of the class described comprising a cup having a side wall formed with a projectingtongue which isbent outwardly to provide a hinge, anda cover having adjacent to its rear edge a pair of spacedslits defining a depressible resilient locking strap, said tongue projecting outwardly through said slits so as to underlie the covery and hold said strap in depressed position, said tongue pivotally supporting the cover in normally closed position having transversely extending cuts defining locking tabs which are bent downwardly so as to interloclrwith said strap and prevent separation of the cup and cover, the portion of the tongue projectingthrough'each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of the slit and the 1 portion of the tongue in `each slit having a width approximating the length of the slit, whereby the tongue can be inserted through'the slits without folding the tongue merely by depressing the strap and the tongue holds the strap in depressed position with its edges pinched'in the ends of the slits.

18. A receptacle of'the class described comprising a cup having a side Wall formedwith an extension bent inwardly to provide a downwardly inclined flange within the interior of the cup, said iiange having aU-shaped cut defining a tongue which is ybent outwardly from the upper edge of the cup to provide a hinge, and a cover having adiacent'to its rear edge a pair of spaced slits dening a depressible resilientllocking strap, said tongue projecting outwardly through said slits so as to underlie the-cover and-hold said strap in depressed position, in which position saidton'gue pivotally supports the cover in normally closed-position, the portion of the tongue projecting through each slit having a maximum width which is no greater than the length of `the slit and the'portion of the tongue in each slit having a `width approximating the length of the slit, whereby the tongue can be inserted through the slits without foldingtheftongue merely by depressing'thestrap and the tongue holds the strap in depressed position with its edges pinched in the ends of the slits.

HAROLD B. CRANSHAW. 

